Soccer is one of those sports that kids can start practically as soon as they take their first steps. What starts with just kicking a ball in the backyard can turn in to some serious competition that children all over the world have grown to love.

In fact, here in Central Indiana you can get your soccer fix by attending an Indy Eleven soccer game, kicking off April 1st.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will take place in Brazil this summer, and here is the…

Really. Cool. Part.

Your child has the chance to escort a player to the games!

The McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Player Escort program is happening around the world, and Central Indiana McDonald’s is giving one young local fan the opportunity of a lifetime: To travel with a parent or guardian to Brazil, all expenses paid. The winner will have a chance to go onto the field in one of four match cities: Rio de Janeiro, Natal, Manaus or Recife.

McDonald’s Player Escort program began in 2002 at the FIFA World Cup in South Korea/Japan. Since that time, McDonald’s has given more than 6,000 children from around the world the chance to lead a player into the stadium.

I am SO excited for Indy Eleven games! I think it is so awesome that Indy is filling up with more sports teams. Soccer is a great family friendly event since so many kiddos play it at school and for intermurals!

Our son tried out soccer for the first time last summer at the age of 3. It was definitely an amusing sight to see all of those 3 year olds out on the field! We plan on signing him up again for back to school soccer and hope that he understands it more. My husband and I went to a small school that didn’t have a soccer team so this was a first for all of us.

I played all through childhood – even through college (left-halfback). My kids don’t have much experience, but given the upcoming European move, I’m guessing they’re going to have a thing or two to learn about futbol!